I prefer somewhat primitive camping areas . I have been to the park a lot but never camped there or checked into what permits you need or how to get them
Arthur
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http://www.great.smoky.mountains.national-park.com/camping.htm
Every thing you need to know is right here. I prefer to camp along the Blue Ridge Parkway rather than in the national park. The sites have better availablity and not so many RVer's. Lynville Falls is nice since you have so many hiking trails. Crabtree Meadows isn't too bad either. We panned gold there one year, after a heavy rain.